The Predators said before Saturday's game that they hoped the San Jose Sharks, the NHL's only undefeated team, were due for a loss.

The Predators' got what they wanted in a 2-1 shootout victory against the NHL's hottest team.

Forward Craig Smith scored the game-winner in the second round of the shootout on a backhand move over Antti Niemi to give the Predators their second straight shootout win after losing three straight to start the year.

They beat they Sharks without leading scorer Martin Erat, who missed the game with a foot injury. Without Erat, the Predators went with seven defensemen and 11 forwards. The same line rarely hit the ice twice in the entire 65 minutes, but the Predators believed the adversity fortified a solid team effort.

"We needed guys to step up, and we knew we had to play a really good team game because we were short in some elements," Predators coach Barry Trotz said. "But we played a team game, played with some conviction, more pace, we got our forecheck game, we got into the hard areas."